What Makes Me Feel Like A Singaporean?

1. Going back for ICT, wearing that No. 4 and singing the National Anthem in the Auditorium.

2. At the airport customs whenever I come home from my trips.

Today, I'm adding a No. 3 to the above list;

3. Attending the National Day Parade, esp. during the singing of the National Anthem and watching the "customary" fly-past of the giant state flag.

There I was this evening, with SO, somewhere in the Green Zone. It's my first parade, albeit its only the preview. I've been balloting to get tickets since the day they started this practice but I've never gotten picked. It's the same old disappointment this year. All thanks to SO's mum, for her NRIC was balloted for 2 preview tickets, which she gladly gave it to us when she knew how keen I was.

The Reviewing Officer of tonight's preview arrived, the State Flag was attached to the flag-post and we all stood up to sing the National Anthem. We (So & me) held hands as the anthem is being played. She's been singing it day in day out and thus had no problems with the Malay lyrics. Me, despite singing it once per year during ICT, was surprisingly able to sing along effortlessly. At the moment when the helicopter flew past with the giant flag, my heart suddenly become heavy and my hairs stood at attention too, as if to salute the flag as it goes by.

At that moment, I truly felt like a Singaporean and promised HER that I will do my best to ensure her survival and prosperity. Never will I abandon her for perceived greener pastures. Esp. not when I've given 2.5yrs of my life to HER.

Call me cliche if you like, but those are my heartfelt thoughts.

Flag from the goodie bag.

Another additional to my flag collection on my desk.

What's that in the sky???

It's the Red Lions Parachuters!! :)

They've never failed to wow the crowds.

Zoomed out view of the stage-area.

Parade's all formed up and awaiting the Reviewing Officer for the Preview.

Managed to zoom-in but ended up capturing only 3 of the 4 GOH Contingents.